Ressence Type 5 L

he realm of watchmaking isn't just about timekeeping. It's about pushing boundaries, reimagining traditions, and ultimately crafting a statement piece that resonates with both the wearer and the observer. Ressence, a relatively young player in the horological landscape, has consistently championed this philosophy, and their latest creation, the Type 5 L, is a testament to their commitment to innovation.

Founded in 2010 by the visionary industrial designer Benoît Mintiens, Ressence embarked on a journey to redefine the essence of contemporary watchmaking. From the outset, their approach was clear: strip away the superfluous, the unnecessary, and the outdated conventions that had shackled traditional watch designs for generations.



This "less is more" philosophy gave rise to a series of groundbreaking timepieces. The Zero Series, with its revolutionary dial design where time is displayed on flush, two-dimensional rotating discs instead of traditional hands, was a bold departure from the norm. The Type 1 followed suit, eliminating the crown and creating a truly ambidextrous watch.

The Type 3, a marvel of engineering, featured an oil-filled dial that eradicated refraction, enhancing legibility to an unprecedented degree. This innovation earned Ressence the prestigious Horological Revelation Award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2013. The Type 2 furthered this legacy by introducing the world's first automatic self-setting crown, obviating the need for manual adjustments.

Ressence's most recent creation, the Type 8, represents the epitome of their minimalist design ethos. It displays only the hours and minutes, eschewing all other complications in favor of a pure, uncluttered aesthetic.

The Type 5 L, the latest addition to Ressence's Type 5 series, builds upon this rich heritage of innovation and minimalism. It's a watch that seamlessly blends functionality with artistic expression, a tool watch that doubles as a conversation starter.



The first thing that strikes you about the Type 5 L is its luminosity. The entire dial is filled with Super-LumiNova®, a phosphorescent material that emits a vibrant glow in low-light conditions. This isn't just a stylistic flourish; it's a practical feature that enhances legibility, a crucial consideration for divers who often find themselves in murky depths.

The watch's case, crafted from Grade 5 titanium, is a study in understated elegance. The titanium's matte finish exudes a subtle sophistication, while its lightweight properties ensure a comfortable wearing experience. The domed sapphire crystals on both the front and back of the watch, treated with an anti-reflective coating, offer a crystal-clear view of the dial and the intricate mechanics within.

The Type 5 L's design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about functionality. The unidirectional rotating bezel, with its easy-to-grip tactile design, allows for precise adjustments, a critical feature for divers who need to accurately track their immersion time. The Ressence Compression Lock System (RCLS), a proprietary mechanism that locks the compression gasket for waterproofing, ensures the watch's resilience in aquatic environments.



The Type 5 L's dial is a mesmerizing spectacle, a dance of rotating discs and luminous indices. Crafted from Grade 5 titanium, the convex dial features three eccentric biaxial satellites that display the hours, minutes, and a 90-second runner. The entire dial is filled with green Grade A Super-LumiNova®, transforming it into a radiant beacon in low-light conditions.

But this dial isn't just about looks; it's a testament to Ressence's commitment to innovation. The ROCS 5 (Ressence Orbital Convex System), a patented mechanism that drives the dial's rotating discs, is a marvel of engineering. It's a complex ballet of gears and magnets that ensures precise timekeeping while creating a visually stunning display.

One of the most distinctive features of the Type 5 series, and the Type 5 L is no exception, is the oil-filled upper chamber. This ingenious solution eliminates light refraction, ensuring optimal legibility underwater. The oil also acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and wear on the movement's components.



The oil-filled chamber isn't just a practical feature; it's also a visual delight. The way the oil interacts with the dial's rotating discs creates a mesmerizing effect, almost as if the time is floating in a miniature aquarium.

The Type 5 L is powered by a customized ETA 2824/2 base caliber, a workhorse movement known for its reliability and accuracy. Ressence has modified this movement to accommodate their patented ROCS 5 module, creating a unique hybrid that combines traditional watchmaking with cutting-edge technology.

The movement is wound and set via the caseback, a design choice that eliminates the need for a crown and contributes to the watch's sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The caseback also features the Ressence Compression Lock System (RCLS), a mechanism that ensures a watertight seal, crucial for a dive watch.

The Type 5 L isn't just a pretty face; it's a serious tool watch designed to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration. The watch meets the stringent ISO 6425 standard, a set of criteria that defines a true diver's watch. It's water-resistant up to 100 meters, resistant to magnetic fields and shocks, and features a unidirectional rotating bezel for tracking immersion time.

The 46mm case, while substantial, is surprisingly comfortable on the wrist thanks to its lightweight titanium construction. The watch comes with two straps, a grey fabric strap with yellow leather lining and a blue rubber strap, both designed for durability and comfort.



The Ressence Type 5 L is a luxury timepiece, and its price reflects its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative technology, and limited production. With a suggested retail price of CHF 34,500 (excluding taxes), it's an investment piece for discerning collectors who appreciate the fusion of art and engineering.

The Ressence Type 5 L isn't just a watch; it's a statement. It's a testament to the power of human ingenuity, a celebration of minimalist design, and a tool that empowers you to explore the world with confidence. It's a watch that transcends time, a horological masterpiece that will be cherished for generations to come.

For more information please visit : Ressence Type 5 L Product Page